Registering and buying a trailer in Ohio can be confusing for some. We wanted to shed some light on this subject. I will go into some detail and give you some instances on why you should retain the certificate of origin for your trailer.
Do I need a title for my utility trailer in Ohio?
A new utility trailer should come with a certificate of origin. If the trailer weighs less than 4000 lbs in the state of Ohio ownership can be transferred with a bill of sale and the certificate of origin. The certificate of origin has the unique VIN of the trailer, date of manufacture, weight, and GVWR on the front. On the back, it has a place for owner information and a notary slot.
Used utility trailers are sometimes sold without the Certificate of origin- they can be registered by providing a weight slip showing the trailer is less than 4000 LBS and a copy of a bill of sale to the BMV. This can pose a problem for some later. If you buy a trailer without a certificate of origin, it can be very hard to register the trailer in another state. Different states have different rules when it comes to titling / registering trailers. Pennsylvania, for instance, titles everything as does Indiana.
Another issue with buying a trailer that doesn't have a certificate of origin is theft. Having a trailer without a certificate of origin and a VIN tag that has been tampered with is a huge red flag. If you are caught with the stolen property you can have it seized and be out hundreds of dollars or worse.